IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• •Wreck Name: William H. Barnum
• •Type: Wooden Propeller Freighter
• •Date of Incident: April 3, 1894
• •Location: 5.5 miles southeast of Mackinaw City, Straits of Mackinac, Lake Huron
• •Coordinates: Exact location not documented
• •Depth: Approximately 11 fathoms (66 feet)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The William H. Barnum was a wooden-hulled propeller freighter built in 1873 by J.M. Jones in Detroit, Michigan. Measuring 219 feet in length, 35 feet in beam, and 21 feet in depth, the vessel was designed for bulk cargo transport, primarily agricultural goods like corn. With a Gross Tonnage of 1,212 tons and a Net Tonnage of 1,059 tons, the William H. Barnum was a significant player in the Great Lakes freight trade during its time.

HISTORY

The William H. Barnum was owned by C.A. Chamberlain and other Detroit-based stakeholders, serving as a reliable vessel for over two decades. However, by 1894, the freighter’s condition had significantly deteriorated. Despite this, it continued operations, likely driven by the economic necessity of transporting goods across the Great Lakes.

Final Voyage

•Route: Departed Chicago, bound for Port Huron

•Cargo: 55,000 bushels of corn

•Incident: As one of the first vessels to navigate the Straits of Mackinac in the spring of 1894, the William H. Barnumencountered severe ice conditions. The ice damaged the Hull, causing the ship to take on water rapidly. As the crew fought to save the vessel, it became trapped by shelf ice and stranded in the freezing waters of Lake Huron.

The wrecking Tug Crusader arrived to assist, successfully evacuating the crew, but the vessel itself was lost, sinking to a depth of 66 feet.

Aftermath

The sinking of the William H. Barnum was compounded by concerns over its seaworthiness. The ship had been insured for only this single voyage, suggesting that even its owners doubted its ability to endure such a journey. The owners later filed a lawsuit against the insurers, seeking compensation for the loss.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The William H. Barnum rests in the Straits of Mackinac, where it succumbed to the frigid depths of Lake Huron. Salvage efforts in 1969 recovered some remains, but most artifacts and structural elements were already stripped by earlier operations or lost to time.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Obstruction: The site of the wreck is not marked on modern navigation charts and does not pose a significant hazard to shipping.

•Advisory: Divers exploring the Straits of Mackinac should exercise caution due to strong currents and fluctuating Visibility in the area.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the William H. Barnum was partially salvaged in 1969, but the exact details of its initial discovery are unclear. It is part of the broader maritime history preserved in the Straits of Mackinac.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Primary Sources:

•Detroit Free Press, 1894

•Great Lakes Maritime History Archives

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database

•Further Reading:

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•3DShipwrecks.org

•Bowling Green State University Great Lakes Maritime Collection

CONCLUSION

The story of the William H. Barnum exemplifies the challenges of Great Lakes navigation, especially during the perilous spring months when ice poses a severe threat to vessels. Despite the crew’s heroic efforts, the freighter’s deteriorating condition and the harsh environment sealed its fate. The wreck remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and risks endured by mariners on the Great Lakes.

KEYWORDS

#WilliamHBarnum #LakeHuronShipwreck #GreatLakesHistory #StraitsOfMackinac #MaritimeDisaster #GreatLakesFreighter #ShipwreckPreservation\

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